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In this, the first of the project series, you will make a large table serving platter. This is an ideal starting point if you have little or no wood working experience.

The skills and knowledge you will acquire as you make this beautifully designed centrepiece are the foundations of the woodworker’s journey in pursuit of excellence in making. The processes that go into making your platter are those most used in furniture making - they are the ones you will draw on every time you turn your hand to woodworking. It is the ability to perform each process perfectly that will enable you to become a truly outstanding craftsperson.

The course is run in my workshop on the Surrey / Hampshire border, just outside the Georgian town of Farnham. I undertake all the teaching myself and, to ensure individual attention, there are never more than five students.

Courses run 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

THE COURSE COVERS:
Selecting timber
Guidance on buying furniture making tools
Hand tool selection and maintenance
Sharpening and tuning of hand planes
Using hand planes
Achieving flat, straight and square with a plane
Marking tools
Hand saws and sawing straight
Advanced sharpening of planes and scrapers for ‘difficult’ timber
Wood finishing; making your own food-safe wood finish
Building confidence in the use of hand tools

At the end of this five-day course you will have gained a strong foundation in furniture making skills. In addition, you will have the experience and confidence to plan and make your own projects and use and maintain hand tools. Finally, you will take home your own hand-crafted serving platter - a beautiful centrepiece for your table, made from locally sourced English hardwood.

PROJECT-BASED COURSES:
Project-based courses are aimed at those who want to immerse themselves in the art of handmade furniture. There are a range of projects to suit varying skills levels. These courses work either on a stand-alone basis or as a progressive series, building up your experience step by step.

If booking with a CraftCourses voucher for part or all of the course fee,
please fill in the contact form above or telephone us. Your voucher code must be provided at
the point of booking.

What's included in the price?

I undertake all the teaching myself and, to ensure individual attention, there are never more than five students.

During and following the course you will receive an extensive range of information to help you take your next steps in furniture making. For example, advice about buying and maintaining tools and details of suppliers. This will also include plans and a materials list for a project using the skills you have learned during your course to help you put your new knowledge into practice.

Access to exclusive discounts for premier tools and timber suppliers.

All Materials included. You do not need to buy any tools or equipment, all hand tools are provided during the course.

We provide tea and coffee throughout the course, but you will need to arrange your own lunch. I recommend that you bring a packed lunch each day. There is a microwave and fridge. However, we are only a few minutes by car from Farnham town centre if you need anything.

The workshop is only a few minutes by car from the Farnham train station. There is a direct train connection to London.

If you want accommodation, there are many excellent hotels and B&Bs in the area. Please feel free to contact me if you require assistance finding local accommodation.